boygenius the record
Released Mar 31, 2023 boygenius under exclusive license to Interscope Records
Consensus forming 3 professional reviews Updated Oct 6, 2026
Strong critical consensus
Consensus is still forming across 3 professional reviews. boygenius's the record arrives as a lucid celebration of friendship, craft and suburban longing, earning strong praise from music critics who point to its blend of aching intimacy and big, classic-rock gestures.
How ChoruScore worksCritics' Top Tracks
The songs critics returned to most
Satanist
3 critic mentions
“Headbanging delirium continues on The Replacements-nodding, hilariously self-deprecating ‘Satanist” — Hot Press
$20
3 critic mentions
“Indie anthems like “$20,” “Not Strong Enough” and the superb “Satanist” — The Line of Best Fit
Not Strong Enough
3 critic mentions
“Indie anthems like “$20,” “Not Strong Enough” and the superb “Satanist” — The Line of Best Fit
Full critic consensus
boygenius's the record arrives as a lucid celebration of friendship, craft and suburban longing, earning strong praise from music critics who point to its blend of aching intimacy and big, classic-rock gestures. Across three professional reviews the collection amassed an 86.67/100 consensus score, with reviewers repeatedly highlighting the trio's harmonies and tight songwriting as the album's emotional engine.
Critics consistently single out several best tracks on the record. “$20” is frequently cited as a punchy, college-rock highlight that channels Springsteen-sized riffs; “Satanist” earns praise for its rebellious, self-deprecating energy; “Not Strong Enough” and “Without You Without Them” are noted for precise vocal interplay and intimate triple-part harmonies; and the nine-and-a-half-minute “Leonard Cohen” emerges as a motion-picture sweep that crystallises the album's emotional reach. Reviewers agree that these standout songs demonstrate how the three voices fuse into a greater whole, balancing nostalgia, shame, growth and youthful rebellion.
While admiration for the harmonies, songwriting craft and the record's evocative suburban imagery is unanimous, critics also praise the record's patience and dynamic shifts from quiet reveries to arena-leaning stompers, which adds nuance to the critical consensus. Across three professional reviews the verdict leans highly positive, making the record both a highlight in the band members' collaborative catalog and a richly detailed collection worth attentive listening.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Without You Without Them
$20
Emily I'm Sorry
True Blue
Cool About It
Not Strong Enough
Revolution 0
Leonard Cohen
Satanist
We're In Love
Anti-Curse
Letter To An Old Poet
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What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 3 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
In his warm, observant voice Ben Tipple frames boygenius and the record as a triumph of friendship and craft, singling out “$20”, “Satanist” and “Not Strong Enough” as the album's clearest high points. The review positions the best songs on the record as moments where individual voices fuse into something greater, with “$20” called one of their punchiest tracks and “Not Strong Enough” a shining, perfectly precise highlight. Overall Tipple's tone is admiring and exacting, explaining why listeners searching for the best tracks on the record will gravitate to these collaborative peaks.
Key Points
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Not Strong Enough is the best song because the trio unite with perfect precision and lyrical poignancy.
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The album's core strength is the fusion of three distinctive songwriting voices into assured, collaborative songs.
Themes
Ho
Critic's Take
boygenius’s the record bristles with small‑town longing and big harmonies, and the best tracks prove it. The opener “Without You Without Them” is pretty special, transforming the listener into an eavesdropper on intimate triple‑part harmony. The album’s standout college‑rock stomp “$20” delivers Springsteen tropes and several sick riffs, while “Satanist” carries a Replacements‑nodding, hilariously self‑deprecating headbanger delirium. Elsewhere, quieter moments like “Leonard Cohen” catch fleeting celestial moments, making these songs the best tracks on the record because they balance nostalgia with vivid detail.
Key Points
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The best song is the opener “Without You Without Them” because its intimate triple harmonies set the album’s tone.
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The album’s strengths are vivid American-teenage storytelling, rich trio harmonies, and a blend of retro rock influences.
Themes
Critic's Take
boygenius’s the record feels like an unfiltered love letter to friendship and intimacy, where the best tracks - “Leonard Cohen” and “Satanist” - crystallise the album’s emotional reach. In a voice alternately deadpan and poetic, the reviewer lingers on the nine-and-a-half-minute motion-picturesque sweep of “Leonard Cohen” and the irresistible, rebellious invitation of “Satanist”, both singled out as immediate standouts. The record’s balance of sick riffs and tender harmonies means songs like “$20” and “Not Strong Enough” land as indie anthems, while quieter moments reward patience. Overall, the album’s mixture of vivid storytelling, patience and offbeat humour makes these best tracks on the album feel both immediate and lasting.
Key Points
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“Leonard Cohen” is best for its epic storytelling and nine-and-a-half-minute cinematic sweep.
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The album’s core strengths are its intimate friendship narratives, vivid lyrical images, and balanced instrumentation.